WESTOWN’S NEEDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 February 1922, Page 5

WESTOWN’S NEEDS.

THE ’BUS SERVICE. BETTER FACILITIES WANTED. TRAMS MENTIONED AGAIN. A request for an improvement in the facilities for the conveyance of passengers to Westown was made to the New Plymouth Borough Council last night. Correspondence from the Westown Progressive Association was supported by a deputation of about fifteen members of that body. The spokesmen stressed the inadequacy of the present lius, and urged that the tram system be extenddd, or, as an alternative, that another ’bus be provided to cope with the traffic from this suburb. A letter was received from the secretary of the association (Mr. R. B. Reid) pointing out that the present ’bus was both unhealthy and insanitary, by reason of the lock of ventilation, and that when full of passengers it was positively a menace to the health of those using it. It had also been pointed out at a recent meeting of the association that by reason of the narrow entrance to the ’bus, in the event of anything going wrong it was practically impossible for anyone inside to escape. While it was sincerely hoped that everything would continue to go right, it was just possible . that the ’bus would prove a death trap should an accident occur. It was suggested that a door be constructed in the back of the ’bus with a let-down step, to be used as a means of exit. This, it was contended, would also assist materially in the ventilation of the ’bus. The association desired that some steps shbuld be taken to improve the conditions as soon as possible. IMPROVING THE ’BUS. Dealing with the question of the ’bu< ventilation the o’ ctrical engineer (Mr. R. H. Bartley), in the course of a re* port, stated that the trouble Uy in the difficulty of constructing a ’hue body for all weathers and for it to be equally suitable for either. He thought the ventilation would not be so troublesome except for the fact that the 'bus was designed to carry 22 passengers, and more often than not when the ventilation was complained of the vehicle was loaded with double this number. The roof was not adapted to carrying ventilators, but he thought the same effect could be achieves by taking out the small top windows and replacing them with louvres. The suggestion of fitting a door at the back would defeat the object of the pay-as-you-enter system, as in such case it could not he under the control of the motorman. and would be a danger trap in so far

that it could not ho under the direct control of the driver, wl"» would be apt to start the vehicle before passengers were properly out, etc., and this would prove a greater danger than the one mentioned. The engineer said it might be possible to improve the ventilation by making one window on each side to slide open, and he intimated that he would look into this matter as soon a* possible. Speaking on the request for a ’bus Mr. J. S. S. Medley said the point the association wished to make was that there were a large number of people who would use the ’bus if the accommodation was available. If another ’bus could be procured for the. Westown service it would be a great improve ment, and also a payable proposition for the council. They thought, however, that this was really only a stop-gap, and that the extension of the trams was what was really wanted. It was recognised also that they could not get trams now even if they were decided on. Mr. Medley said he understoodthe cost of a ’bus would be about £3OOO, and he desired to know if this WM correct. The electrical engineer, Mr. Bartley, said the figure was correct. NO MONEY FOR NEW VEHICLE. Another speaker of the deputation (Mr. J. D. Sole) said he was not an advocate for another ’bus, and be thought the council would be justified in extending the tramway service at the earliest possible moment. Rails were much cheaper now, and this item would be about £5OOO less than the

engineer’s 1920 estimates. In reply to the deputation the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson) said no one would deny the necessity for an improvement. The ’bus had exceeded ail, anticipations formed of it when it was first put on. Mr. Wilson said that as one of the deputation which approached the council to have the present 'bus put on he was in sympathy with the requests. The. representations of the association would be taken into consideration bv the council. He remarked then that when the association approached the council last year it was suggested that the Westown people might finance the purchase of a ’bus, which could be eventually purchased by the council, but no reply* to this proposition had been received. “If it has got to he provided bv loan I don’t think it will be provided, much as it is required,” concluded the Mayor. There was a short discussion by tne council later in the evening. In advocating that urgent attention should be given to the application, Or. T. N. Blackball remarked that seeing moneys from the electric light department were transferred to general account Jj B^y eßr ’ he thought some money should be se* aside for the. extension of the tramways. Even if the work was done gradually the ratepayers would be satisfied to* see the extensions started.

NO CHANCE OF TRAMS. The Mayor said it was no use beating about the bush; there “"J?® 8 }?; lity of trams being provided withmr the next twelve months. Tn reply to C . Blackball he further pointed out that moneys transferred to the general account were not from the tremways fund, but from the electric h f ht “” d ®T taking If it was desired to pro\»de mo k ne| foJ tram, why not..trike - arate tramways rate? he asked. He moved that the question of the pro vision of a ’bus be considered when the estimates for next year were in preparation. He added ‘hat he nad an idea how the money could be raised, but it was certainly not by lt » n - In supporting the motion Cr. J. Bro »" said he did not think the be extended to Westown within two vears, and further he did not see that the council was going to benefit by pa? ing 7 per cent. He agreerl that then was some hardship, and therefore de- - sired to see another 'bus provided if possible. . The motion was carried.